Raider Regiment field show features UCLA Bruin band in Rowland Heights

Thirty marching bands will take the field during the Raider Regiment field show at Rowland High School on Saturday, Oct. 13, beginning at 11 a.m.

The popular event has marching units from as far away as Utah and Arizona competing. The evening will end with a rousing performance by the UCLA Bruin Marching Band.

"This is our 42nd year, making us one of the oldest shows in Southern California," said Rowland Band Director Jason Alvo. "But this is the first time we have a couple bands from out of state performing."

The two bands are coming from Spanish Fork, Utah, and Goodyear, Ariz.

"They wanted to come to California because they're on a term break right now," Alvo explained.

Raider stadium should be packed with standing-room only crowds to see the Bruin band in a rare outside performance.

"They only perform at a couple schools every year. One of my former band students became the assistant band director at UCLA, so he set it up for us," Alvo said.

The 260-member marching band offers the finale, stepping off at 9:10 p.m.

"It's a good recruiting tool for UCLA and the audience loves them," the Raider director noted.

The Raider Regiment counts on the big field show to fund its activities throughout the school year. With budget cuts, the show is the major fundraiser for the local high school band.

"We hope to gross $30,000 so we can pay for outside instructors and competition expenses. The show and the booster's club provide our whole budget," Alvo said.

The show starts at 11 a.m. with Division 1A schools performing, including the Utah school and Pomona High. It continues with 2A schools such as Covina and West Covina.

Other local bands include Los Altos, South Hills, Whittier and Nogales high schools.

"We also have some huge bands such as Arcadia with 400 members," Alvo added.

The Rowland Regiment takes the field at 8:45 p.m. followed by UCLA.

"It should be a really good show, the students are all excited about it. We should have 4,000 to 5,000 people in the bleachers," Alvo added.

Tickets are $10 for anyone over 12 years of age. Seniors and children under 13 are $5. Kids under 5 are free. Gates open at 10 a.m.